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Listen to Story At some point, nearly all of us have found ourselves in a public place, desperately holding in a fart, hoping the pressure won't become unbearable. The discomfort can range from distracting to downright painful. But does holding it in cause harm, or are you just avoiding a little embarrassment? The good news is, no, you won't rupture anything if you try to hold it in.
But what actually happens when you resist the urge to pass gas? The average human farts anywhere from five to 23 times a day. The gas that causes farting (and burping) builds up naturally during digestion and when air is swallowed while eating or drinking. Certain habits can speed up this process, such as using a straw, consuming hard-to-digest foods, or smoking.
When gas builds up in the body, it needs to be released. And there are two exit points: the mouth and the bottom. Normally, when the body digests food, gas develops in the intestines.
A person with regular bowel habits typically has no problem releasing this gas. Dr Manoj Gupta, Head of Liver Transplant & Surgical Gastroenterology at Delhi's PSRI Hospital, explains, "The problem arises when you can't fart, as it signals an obstruction in the intestines. This can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, and indigestion.
" Farting isn't just a quirky bodily function - it provides relief from bloating and discomfort. (Photo: Getty Images) Farting isn't just a quirky bodily function - it provides relief from bloating and discomfort. It's also a sign that your digestive system and gut bacteria are functioning properly.
Dr Gupta recommends staying physically active and maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fibre, liquids, vegetables, fruits, and milk products like curd, to promote a healthy digestive system. Most of the gas that passes through the rectum is odourless, as it's made up of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. However, the remaining gases—hydrogen and methane—are by-products of bacterial fermentation of undigested sugars in the colon.
There are two main types of farts: loud and smelly. A loud fart tends to occur when someone has a carbohydrate-rich diet, while a smelly one is usually the result of high-protein foods. Most of the gas that passes through the rectum is odourless, as it's made up of nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
(Photo: Getty Images) Those offensive odours come from gases like hydrogen sulfide (which smells like rotten eggs), methanethiol (which smells like rotten cabbage), and dimethyl sulfide (which smells like garlic). "Smelly farts also come from sulfur-rich foods like onions, garlic, and eggs. A persistent bad smell might indicate lactose intolerance or other gut issues," explains Dr Ismail Khan, Consultant Minimal Access and Robotic Surgeon at Delhi's IGS Health.
When you hold in a fart, the gas doesn't just disappear. It moves from your intestines into the rectum and stays there, building up pressure as you tighten your anal sphincter muscles (the same muscles used when holding in a bowel movement). This can lead to short-term symptoms such as bloating, pain, and discomfort, or the sensation of bubbling or gurgling in the digestive system.
Interestingly, research shows that some of this gas is reabsorbed by your bloodstream and eventually released when you exhale. However, most of it remains trapped until you either release it via a fart or burp - or both. Dr Gupta advises against holding in farts, suggesting that if you feel the urge, it's best to go to the washroom or find an isolated spot rather than suffer through the discomfort.
Simply put, it's better out than in. Some people pass gas more frequently than others, and that's completely normal, provided there's no pain or bloating. (Photo: Getty Images) Some people pass gas more frequently than others, and that's completely normal, provided there's no pain or bloating.
"Frequent farting is often due to diet-fibre, carbonated drinks, or swallowing air while eating too quickly. It can also be linked to differences in gut bacteria. Conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or lactose intolerance may also cause increased gas production," adds Dr Khan.
If you or a family member experience excessive gas or are concerned about unusual odours, it might be time to talk to a doctor. Dr Gupta suggests seeking medical help if there's persistent bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss, as these could signal an underlying digestive issue. Next time you feel a fart coming on, remember: it's your body's way of saying everything's working fine.
Let it out - your gut will thank you!.
